- Calls to this hotline are currently being directed to Within Health or Eating Disorder Solutions
- Representatives are standing by 24/7 to help answer your questions
- All calls are confidential and HIPAA compliant
- There is no obligation or cost to call
- Eating Disorder Hope does not receive any commissions or fees dependent upon which provider you select
- Additional treatment providers are located on our directory or samhsa.gov
Overview of Mental Health Helplines for Eating Disorder Sufferers
Perhaps the only predictable aspect of eating disorder recovery is its unpredictability.
You may be feeling like things are going well when you are suddenly hit with an unexpected bout of depression, anxiety, or an overwhelming situation that sends your mind spinning.
When you feel trapped, emotionally, physically, mentally, or psychologically, having a network of support is crucial for maintaining your recovery, especially over the long term.
But what if your immediate network of support is not readily available? Thankfully, there are many organizations that provide help and support via helplines that are toll free and generally accessible.
Here are some helplines that are available, should you need the extra support in your recovery journey:
National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA)
This non-profit organization not only offers a plethora of resources for the eating disorder sufferer, families, and loved ones, but a toll-free hotline with trained volunteers for support, resources, and treatment options. If you are in need of support or needing assistance connecting to help and treatment, consider contacting the NEDA Helpline at (800) 931-2237.
The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)
This non profit organization also offers a helpline for those who might need extra support dealing with overwhelming urges or feelings that may make it difficult to eat. This may also be a helpful organization to connect with if you are concerned about a loved one that may be dealing with anorexia. You can contact ANAD at 1-888-375-7767.
BEAT Organization
If you are located in the UK or Europe, the BEAT Organization offers confidential helpline services offering support and information about eating disorders [1]. There is both an Adult Helpline at 0808 801 0677 and Youthline at 0808 801 0711 that can be reached for support in these areas.
For More Help
For more immediate help with any suicide ideations or intentions, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is available 24 hours everyday, including online chat. Their toll free number is 1-800-273-8255. This lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for you or a loved one who may be experiencing distress or a crisis issue [2].
In Case of Emergency
In Case of EmergencyIt is also important to remember that in case of emergencies, you can always contact your local emergency room or
call 9-1-1. Never hesitate to reach out for support, especially in cases where you feel like your life or the life of your loved one may be in danger.
Having support is foundational to recovery from an eating disorder, and there is always someone available that you can talk to in moments of need.
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Director of Content and Social Media for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
References:
[1]: The b-eat Eating Disorder Organization, “Helpline Information”, https://www.b-eat.co.uk/support-services/helpline[2]: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on March 12, 2017
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
